I asked you all this question in IG stories last week and got some great responses…
(Images from 4 years ago of baby Dot and toddler Edie. I miss those ages!)
Best Parenting Advice You’ve Gotten Recently?
THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP
“Always remember to preserve your relationship with your child” @luluthebaker
“15 minutes of special time with each kid (per day if possible). Cuts down on sib rivalry in a big way” @erica.ricks
“Choose your battles” @ashandrand
“Let mother nature help you parent your kids. Get outside” @ani_loinheart
“Put your kids in your life, don’t revolve your life around your kids” @_kimbrly_y
“It’s not our job to make our kids happy all the time. (What a relief to hear!)” @laura_costain
EMPATHY AND AUTONOMY
“Just say yes! It truly changed our holidays” @lombardomegan
“If a kid is upset, try to acknowledge that feeling as valid instead of jumping to fix it” @jesshallburns
“Don’t try to argue them out of their feelings” @mlbriggsmagnant
“Give them opportunities to see mirrors and windows. Seeing themselves and people like them so they feel seen, and a peek into the lives of people different than them so they can develop empathy” (me)
“Let your kids decide as much for themselves as possible” @fluxi
PARENT SELF-CARE AND PERSPECTIVE
“Get off the internet” @kimmie.noel
“Everything is a phase” @sween213
“Cut yourself a break” @recipesforrunning
“You’re a better mom than you think. Give yourself credit. (I needed to hear that so badly).” @sugardoc
“It’s not about you. Quit taking their meanness and bad attitudes personally” (me)
“Every day is a victory” @winfield22
“Keep your expectations low and you don’t be disappointed” @anatalie
“Peace begins with me”@rallegro
“Write the little things down. Funny stuff said. Activities. Moments of joy and pain” @amyarlene
“Don’t for the next phase to enjoy what is happening now” @kimberleycollette